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For many people, the mention of knitting stirs up images of big, bulky scarves and mittens and sweaters—the kind of stuff that you’d wear (and knit) on the chilliest days of winter. It might even stir up images of ugly handmade gifts that you’d never—ever—dream of wearing in public. But in her new book, Dolce Handknits, knitwear designer Kim Dolce shows that knitting can be a year-round pastime—and the finished product can be something you’ll be proud to show off to your friends.
The 16 patterns in Dolce Handknits are divided into the four seasons—starting with the warm, cozy sweaters of winter (along with one short-sleeved, off-the-shoulder top that’s apparently good for holiday parties) and exploring the lighter knits of spring, the barely-there tops of summer, and the chill-chasers of fall.
If I could use just one word to describe Dolce Handknits, I’d have to choose “pretty.” The designs in this book are undeniably feminine. From warm winter sweaters and casual summer tops, each one has some pretty detail—whether it’s the yarn choice or a lace edging or an eyelet stitch pattern—that makes it stand out from the same old sweater pattern. And Dolce’s attention to those delicate details will keep you flipping through the book over and over again, oohing and aahing over the designs. Of course, that also means that you’ll have to put a little more work into the knitting—and there aren’t a whole lot of simple knits included in the book—but they’re worth it. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’ll end up with some beautiful tops and sweaters.
With each design, Dolce provides a detailed, no-nonsense pattern that will satisfy almost every kind of knitter—whether you’re most comfortable with written guidelines, diagrams, charts, or even line-by-line instructions (which could make for a 10-page pattern). Really, the only things it’s missing are the top-down patterns. Though some of the designs are knit in the round when possible, the sleeves are always knit separately—even in raglan designs. And many are knit in several separate pieces—so you’ll need to be prepared to do some finishing.
But if you’re looking for knitting patterns that go beyond the same boring old winter sweaters, Dolce Handknits will provide you with plenty of stylish (and pretty) options. Although the more delicate designs will require a little extra effort, you’ll wear the finished projects with pride.
